Applying for Aid
College should be within reach for everyone. At UNC, we make sure financial challenges don't hold you back.
Affordable Excellence. Incredible Value.
The University of Northern Colorado delivers exceptional education at one of the best values among Colorado public universities. Quality shouldn’t break the bank—and here, it doesn’t.
Most UNC students receive financial aid to reduce costs. Your personalized aid package may include grants, scholarships, loans, and other support tailored to your needs.
The UNC Tuition Promise
Eligible undergraduate students who graduated from a Colorado high school receive 100% of their expenses covered through our UNC Tuition Promise.
Whether you’re a first-year or graduate student, navigating financial aid is easier than you think. The information below walks you through the process step-by-step—and our team is ready to answer questions every step of the way.
Keeping College Within Reach
Nearly every student receives aid
From federal grants to merit-based scholarships, nearly all UNC students receive some form of financial assistance.
First-generation college students
At UNC, first-generation college students are an essential part of our diverse community. If you're the first in your family to pursue a four-year degree, you'll find support, resources and fellow trailblazers here.
In Colorado for lowest loan debt
Our students graduate with the second lowest average loan debt among all Colorado public research universities.
How to Apply for Aid
Learn how to apply for aid at UNC—plus important dates and deadlines to keep you on track.
No matter where you are in your college journey, the first step is usually the same: complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for grants, scholarships, loans and other assistance.
UNC school code: 001349
Your next steps will vary based on whether you’re applying, enrolled, or returning to UNC.
Explore Requirements by Student Type
If you’ll be a first-year student, you’ll need to take three main steps to applying for financial aid:
- Complete the FAFSA by the June 1 priority deadline
- Submit the UNC Scholarship Application by March 15 (*optional)
- Review your financial aid award letter (early March)
*You’ll be automatically considered for UNC admissions-based scholarships. If you would like to apply for additional scholarships through the UNC Foundation, you must also complete the UNC Scholarship Application.
Incoming transfer students will follow a similar process as first-year students. Here’s a look at key steps:
- Inform your current school about your transfer as soon as possible so they can make adjustments to any processed aid.
- Complete the FAFSA by the June 1 priority deadline
- Or, if you’ve already completed this form, you must add UNC’s school code to your existing FAFSA application. Our code is 001349.
- Submit the UNC Scholarship Application by February 1 (optional)
- Review your financial aid award letter (early March)
If you’re an incoming graduate student, you’ll need to complete these three main steps to applying for financial aid:
- Complete the FAFSA by the June 1 priority deadline
- Submit the UNC Scholarship Application by November 1 (optional)
- Review your financial aid award letter by June 15
You may also be interested in pursuing funding opportunities such as a graduate assistantship.
International students may qualify for federal financial aid if they meet the eligibility requirements for noncitizens. You’re generally considered an eligible noncitizen if you are:
- A U.S. permanent resident with a Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
- A conditional permanent resident (I-551C)
- The holder of an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security showing one of the following designations:
- Refugee
- Asylum Granted
- Parolee
- Cuban-Haitian Entrant
Eligible noncitizens must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition, eligible noncitizens must meet all other requirements necessary to receive federal financial assistance.
Learn more about International Student Financial Aid
Many financial aid options are renewable from year to year. Current students should complete a new FAFSA each year to determine current eligibility.
- Complete the FAFSA by the June 1 priority deadline
- Submit the UNC Scholarship Application by February 1 (optional)
- Review your financial aid award letter by June 15
Explore Types of Aid
Earn scholarships based on your academic excellence or special talents. Unlike loans, scholarships are financial awards you never have to pay back—reducing your college costs permanently.
If you qualify for financial aid, grants provide money for college that you never have to repay. You may receive Federal Pell Grants, Colorado Student Grants and other need-based funding that reduces your out-of-pocket costs.
When scholarships and grants don’t cover all your costs, federal student loans can fill the gap. UNC provides resources and guidance to help you borrow only what you need and understand your repayment options.
Get paid to gain experience. Work-study programs and campus employment offer more than a paycheck. Work part-time on campus or with community organizations while developing professional skills, building connections, and reducing your need to borrow.
Fund your degree while building your career. Master’s and doctoral students can apply for teaching, research, and administrative assistantships that provide tuition support and a stipend. Gain hands-on experience in your field while reducing the cost of your graduate education.
In addition to traditional financial aid, military and veteran students may be eligible for more educational benefits, such as the G.I. Bill.
Meet a Few Bears
Promise Fulfilled
The UNC Promise is a program that’s really going to help…. [I’ll] be able to pursue my degree and fully succeed how I’ve always dreamt of.
Cassi Higgins
Anthropology
First-Gen Dreams
As a first-generation college student from a lower-income family, I depended on financial assistance to get through college.
Kevion Ellis ’18
International Affairs with minors in Africana Studies and Economics
Have Financial Aid Questions? We’re Here to Help.
- ofa@unco.edu
- 970-351-4862
- Bear Central in Campus Commons